02 Apr PCOS Associated With Greater Risk of Asthma
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Dr Anju Joham (MBBS (Hons), FRACP, PhD)
Endocrinologist, Monash Health
Post doctoral Research Fellow
Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation – MCHRI
School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine
Monash University – in partnership with Monash Healtj
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?
Dr. Johan: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition affecting reproductive-aged women. Recent research suggests that asthma may be more commonly seen in women with PCOS; however, there are very limited studies that have examined this relationship. It will be helpful to understand if there is a relationship with PCOS and asthma.
Women were randomly selected from the national health insurance database (Medicare) in Australia. Data was available for 8612 women. We found that in women aged 28 to 33 years, PCOS prevalence was 5.8% (95% CI: 5.3%-6.4%). The prevalence of asthma was 15.2% in women reporting PCOS and 10.6% in women not reporting PCOS respectively. PCOS was associated with 34% increased odds of asthma after adjusting for weight. In addition, weight in the overweight and obese range were associated with increased odds of asthma.
MedicalResearch.com: What should clinicians and patients take away from your report?
Dr. Johan: This research confirms that there is indeed a greater proportion of women with PCOS who report asthma. Previous literature has not explored the relationship of asthma to PCOs and weight; whereas our study has explored these relationships and has found that asthma is associated with PCOS independent of weight.
These findings highlight once again that PCOS is a complex disorder and includes significant inflammatory underpinnings. It raises awareness on the complexity and diversity of PCOS and of the need to consider higher risks in other health areas in this condition.
MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this study?
Dr. Johan: This is a preliminary study that examines the key links between asthma, PCOS and weight. This study is an observational study and confirmation of these results in other populations is needed. Future longitudinal studies may help further understand the factors contributing to asthma in women with PCOS.
Citation:
Abstract presented at the ENDO 2016 Conference Boston
Prevalence of Asthma in Reproductive-Aged Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: New Results from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health
Anju Elizabeth Joham*1, Barbora deCourten1, Lisa J Moran1, Deborah Loxton2 and Helena Jane Teede1
1Monash University, Melbourne, Australia, 2University of Newcastle, Australia
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Anju Joham (2016). PCOS Associated With Greater Risk of Asthma MedicalResearch.com
Last Updated on April 2, 2016 by Marie Benz MD FAAD